Portland Trail Blazers Trade Down, Draft Chinese Center Hansen Yang

In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers traded down from the 11th to the 16th pick and selected Hansen Yang, a 7'2" center from China, who was widely projected to be a second-round pick. Despite Blazers GM Joe Cronin praising Yang's high skill level, basketball IQ, and versatility, the pick has been met with skepticism and criticism from NBA analysts, many grading it poorly and calling it a reach. Yang, who played for the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, averaged strong stats last season and is viewed as an intriguing offensive talent with potential defensive upside. The Blazers' draft night strategy also included a trade for veteran guard Jrue Holiday, signaling a shift toward a win-now approach, while they consider moving veteran frontcourt players to acquire impact talent. Prior to the draft, speculation about Portland's selection focused on guards or wings due to an already overloaded frontcourt, but the team ultimately surprised many by choosing Yang. The Blazers' young core, including recent draft picks Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan, now adds Yang as they balance developing talent and immediate competitiveness.